Thailand's former prime minister, Thaksin Shinawatra, quit his job as an adviser to the Cambodian government today, nine months after his appointment helped fuel a diplomatic row. A royal decree signed by King Norodom Sihamoni said Thaksin resigned from his dual positions as personal adviser to Prime Minister Hun Sen and economic adviser to the Cambodian government. Thaksin made the move because he had "difficulty to fulfill his duty", a government statement said.

Thaksin was appointed in November last year, and his subsequent visit to Cambodia set off a row in which both countries recalled their ambassadors.

Bangkok was displeased because Thaksin is a fugitive from justice. In 2008, a Thai court sentenced him in absentia to two years in prison for violating a conflict of interest law, but he fled into exile before the verdict. He was ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of corruption and abuse of power. Hun Sen claimed Thaksin had been unfairly convicted for political reasons.

Thaksin lives mainly in Dubai, and has been accused by the Thai government of seeking to undermine it. In March to May this year his supporters and allies staged street protests in Bangkok, with related violence killing about 90 people and leaving more than 1,400 wounded.

Cambodia's relations with Thailand have been contentious for years, with the focus most recently on a border dispute. Relations worsened since Abhisit Vejjajiva, a political antagonist of Thaksin, became Thailand's prime minister in December 2008.

Abhisit, questioned about Thaksin's resignation, said he was waiting for confirmation. He said if true, it would be a first step toward sending both ambassadors back to their posts.

The Cambodian government said Thaksin drew on his experience "to help Cambodia with competitiveness, especially in the fields of investment, tourism, commerce and agriculture".

Lawyer Noppadol Pattama, who sometimes represents Thaksin, said the former prime minister had been travelling a lot on business and "didn't have time to dedicate to the responsibilities that accompanied the position".